OUR GOAL AT VRP SHOCKS IS TO MAKE THE LATEST ADVANCEMENTS IN RACING-SHOCK TECHNOLOGY AN AFFORDABLE ADVANTAGE FOR YOUR RACE TEAM.
If you plan to debut a new product at a racetrack, why not go for a great race? Vince Valeriano, Sr., general manager and technical advisor for VRP Shocks, Inc., chose the famous Knoxville Nationals in August 2001 to introduce the new shocks. Western Pennsylvania driver Tim Shaffer recorded a strong sixth-place finish in the Vivarin-sponsored car during that Saturday night A-Main event. Before the 2001 season closed, Shaffer captured four checkered flags in World of Outlaw events and Pete Bicknell won 12 out of 14 races in the 358 small-block modified tour using VRP Shocks.
Other drivers claimed victories with VRP Shocks as well, including Steve Kinser at Lowe's Motor Speedway that October. Mike Haggenbottom clinched the URC Sprint Championship with VRP Shocks during the late season. Becca Anderson set fast time at the URC Shootout in Syracuse, New York with VRP Shocks. On the same evening in October, Greg Hodnett won a feature at the Delaware International Speedway, Keith Kauffman won at Grandview Speedway and Randy Chrysler won the sportsman division at the DIRT Modified Eastern States Race Weekend at Middletown, New York -- all using VRP Shocks!
In addition to winged sprint cars and micro-sprints, Valeriano campaigned the shocks on the DIRT Modified circuit and added asphalt modified tour cars, super-modifieds, SK modifieds, late models, non-winged sprint cars and midgets.
According to an article in the 2002 Area Auto Racing News Race Car Builder's Digest, Valeriano has a sensible, specific business plan for VRP Shocks, Inc. "I want VRP to be the blue-collar shock," he said. "I'm not interested in Formula One cars, IRL or Winston Cup. I just want to deal with the guys at the short tracks. There are so many more of them than the big guys anyway."
While the company may be new to racing, Valeriano is not. He has over forty years of experience in short track racing, which includes ownership of a big block DIRT Modified. A six-year tenure as oval track manager for Penske Racing Shocks and sales manager for oval track tires at Competition Tire East enhanced his solid foundation for this business. When his affiliation with Competition Tire East ended in April 2001, he was not ready to walk away from racing.
Later in the year he was asked to help develop a racing shock to meet the specific needs of the short track racer. Russ Rose, an engineer from Colorado with many years of experience in the research and development of shocks, brought the ideas to life. Pete Bicknell added his knowledge as a chassis builder and racer and then began to manufacture the parts in his state-of-the-art facility. Vince Valeriano, Jr. enhances the mix with his experience as a shock specialist in both short-track racing and the last seven seasons in the Winston Cup Series. Michelle Valeriano helps with marketing, public relations and general business operations.
Given the chance, Valeriano knows he can help a short track racer improve performance without breaking the bank account. “These shocks are something everyone can afford" he said, "and they really do make a difference!” To find out why, call him at 610-929-5115.
